Context:

The Detroit Lions face another injury setback as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings, with a key safety sidelined, further straining their depth chart. This season has seen a slew of injuries impact the Lions, threatening their playoff aspirations in 2025. Quarterback Jared Goff, aiming for a career season, will lead the team amid these challenges, with reliance on players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, both dealing with their own injury concerns. The team's ability to adapt and maintain performance under these circumstances will be crucial as they look to sustain momentum in their playoff chase. The situation raises questions about player rotations and potential impacts on their game strategy moving forward.

Dive Deeper:

• Avonte Maddox, a starting safety for the Lions, will miss the game due to a back injury and illness, leaving the team with only three active safeties: Thomas Harper, Daniel Thomas, and Jalen Mills.

• Jared Goff is currently five touchdown passes shy of his career high, and a strong finish could lead to his best statistical season yet, despite the team's injury woes.

• Jahmyr Gibbs has become the primary running back as David Montgomery's role has diminished; the Lions are looking to recover from a historic low of just 15 rushing yards in their last game.

• Amon-Ra St. Brown is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play, while the team may increase Isaac TeSlaa's workload due to St. Brown's limited practice time.

• The Lions' offensive line sees Graham Glasgow returning as the starting center, while Taylor Decker and Christian Mahogany are both listed as questionable for the game.

• Defensive lineman Alim McNeill is also questionable due to an abdominal injury, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the defensive line against the Vikings.

• The cornerback position has faced a rotation due to injuries, with D.J. Reed struggling recently, and both Amik Robertson and Khalil Dorsey listed as questionable.